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Separated at Birth? Apples

I have an exciting 'Case of the Mysterious Apple' to solve up at the allotment as my Spartan apple tree is also sporting some completely different apples this year.

The green apple shown on the right is confined to a sturdy upright branch. I've traced it back and it looks like I missed one of the growths from below the graft union when pruning a couple of years ago.

I'm in the process of asking my apple supplier if he knows which variety it is. He often grafts his own trees, so may have the information to hand. When I asked about rootstock at Marlborough Apple Day recently, the local nurseryman there was rather surprised as they're usually from a crab apple variety, rather than the larger apple I have.

I've yet to do a taste test as it isn't quite ripe enough for picking. I can tell this because it's staying firmly attached to the branch when I gently cup my hand around the apple and lift it up.

The usual advice would be to prune this extra branch out and to rub out any subsequent regrowth. However, my Spartan tree (which I'm training as a cordon) is extremely prolific and assuming my mystery apple tastes OK, I'm tempted to see what happens if I keep it growing with both apples. I'll keep you posted!

Have you experienced anything like this as well? What did you do? Or have you had another gardening mystery to solve this year?

very interesting i have never heard of that before unless it was graft before you brought it and you were not told well wait and see what comes out of your tasting of the apple when ready for eating have a great weekend

I nearly bought some Spartan apples today but they were on offer £3.00 for two packs or £2.00 for one. I didn't want two packs or to be ripped off for the price of one so no apples for me. This happens to me all the time in supermarkets I end up not being willing to buy the stuff I want. Sorry your mention of apples set me off!

Hi Arabella - I'm impressed you found some Spartan apples in the shops! There's usually only about 6-8 varieties on offer (viz choose from Cox, Bramley, Golden Delicious, Royal Gala, Braeburn, plus a couple more depending on the time of year) and whilst Spartan used to be quite common, I've not seen it around in recent years.

Having said that, those offers are annoying aren't they? However, Spartan is a good keeper, so in this instance, the offer would have served you well.

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